Nature Club Association Report 2023-2024
Department of Zoology, TCSC in Collaboration with Rotary Club Bombay and Nature Club has organized “MY TREE” sapling distribution programme on 11/07/2023 at 10.00 am in Open Quadrangle. In this program the Chief guest was Rtn. Ravichandran President, Rotary Club of Bombay Kandivali, Guest of Honors Dr. C.T. Chakraborty Principal, TCSC, Rtn. Shakti Awasthi Secretory, Rotary Club of Bombay Kandivali, Kalpana Menon, Project In-charge and other Rotarians Meenu Verma, Purushottam, Divyang Lakdawala, Mahendra Modi, Sunil Chaurasia, Govind Chaurasia, O.P.Chaurasia, Chitra Shenoy( prospective), Asha Gide ( prospective), U S Prasad, Tribhuvan Kapdi, Pk sultania, Radhika Chandra, Atul Ghadigaonkar, Naresh Garg and Hirral D Ahuja.
The plants which can be planted in house balcony or society garden area are distributed amongst the students. Dr. C.T. Chakraborty, Principal, TCSC has told about the importance of tree plantation in Mumbai city and how planting a sapling makes the difference in our life. Mr. Ravichandran has conveyed the workflow of plantation of saplings their care and monitoring. Sushil Shinde done the comparing of the programme. Total of 193 plant saplings were distributed among the students of the degree Science and Commerce. For complete monitoring throughout the year, WhatsApp group was made and students have been informed to put a photograph of plant growth quarterly. After successful completion of caring for the planted sapling, students having healthy sapling will be awarded to encourage students for tree plantation.
Photos of My Tree – Sapling Distribution Program
International Tiger Day
Topic- “Role of Tiger Reserves in Species Conservation India”
Resource Person: Shri. Kishor Rithe
(Interim Director & Honorary Secretory BNHS Mumbai)
Organized by
Department Of Zoology and Nature Club
Thakur College Of Science & Commerce
The guest lecture on “Role of Tiger Reserves in Species Conservation India” was organized by Department of Zoology, Thakur College of Science and Commerce, Kandivali (E), Mumbai on July 28, 2023 in collaboration with Nature Club TCSC, Mumbai with the aim to understand the roles of National parks, Sanctuaries and other reserves for the tiger conservation. This lecture has provided important understanding about the tiger conservation strategies amongst the students and teachers.
The Programme was conducted at First Floor Seminar Hall, TCSC. The Programme starts with Inauguration, at very first Lighting of the Lamp by the hands of Shri. Kishor Rithe along with the Veda Chanting. The Welcome Address was given by Miss. Poonam Jain, Member, Nature Club followed by Felicitation of Shri. Kishor Rithe by Dr. Vitthal Mohite HoD Dept. of Zoology and Coordinator, Nature Club TCSC. After felicitation, Dr. Rupesh Yadav, Asst. Prof. & Member of Nature Club, introduced about the resource person and finally he called them to deliver his talk.
Shri. Kishor Rithe in his talk, nicely explained the Role of Tiger Reserves in Species Conservation India. He enlightens on number of things like- he shared his experience in Satpuda Landscape in Vidharbha. He is Founder of Satpuda Foundation. He mentioned one important thing in his talk that nobody speaks about damage of Biodiversity due to development. He said about the Tiger reservoirs in India. Right now, we have 51 tiger reservoirs in India. He also spoke about the Wild life protection act 1972. He also explained the numbers of zone terms like PA network, WLS, NP, CoR (CTH, CWH), Biosphere reserves, Biodiversity hotspots, IBAs. ESAs, CFRs etc. At the end, he solved and gave every question answer which was coming from the audience regarding the same topic.
The Vote of thanks was given by Dr. Shirley Agwuocha Asst. Prof. Department of Zoology. The whole Programme was hosted by Miss. Poonam Jain.
For this Programme, total 143 participants were present from different subject like BBI, B. Com, Biotechnology, Zoology, Botany, BMS etc. from TCSC.
Visit to Dr. Shri. Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan plantation at Ramgad, SGNP
Field Report: 17th March 2024
Location: Various sites within the local area of Dr. Shri. Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan,
Ramgad, Sanjay Gandhi National Park region.
Objective: To study environmental initiatives, including vermicomposting, flower manure production, tree plantation conservation efforts and soil clearing activities around a stream to enhance water levels in nearby wells. Total 110 students were participated.
1. Vermicomposting Facility:
- Overview: Visited a well-established vermicomposting facility where organic waste is efficiently converted into nutrient-rich compost by earthworms.
- Observations: The facility demonstrated effective waste management practices and produced
high-quality compost suitable for agricultural use.
- Recommendations: Suggest implementing educational programs to promote vermicomposting
among local farmers and communities to enhance sustainability practices.
2. Flower Manure Production Unit:
- Overview: Examined the process of flower manure production, where floral waste is composted to create organic fertilizer.
- Observations: Witnessed the utilization of floral waste from various sources, including weddings and events, to produce nutrient-rich manure.
- Recommendations: Encourage collaboration with local florists and event organizers to source
additional floral waste for increased production.
3. Tree Plantation Conservation:
- Overview: Surveyed ongoing tree plantation and conservation efforts aimed at preserving native flora and fauna.
- Observations: Noted the successful establishment of diverse tree species, contributing to habitat restoration and biodiversity conservation.
- Recommendations: Advocate for community involvement in tree planting initiatives to foster environmental stewardship and awareness.
4. Soil Clearing of Stream:
- Overview: Inspected soil clearing activities along a stream to improve water flow and subsequently increase water levels in nearby wells.
- Observations: Observed the removal of sediment and debris from the streambed, enhancing water flow and quality.
- Recommendations: Emphasize the importance of regular maintenance to prevent futuresediment buildup and ensure sustained water supply to local communities.
Conclusion:
The field visit on 17th March 2024 provided valuable insights into various agricultural and environmental initiatives within the region. From efficient waste management practices to conservation efforts and water resource enhancement, the initiatives demonstrated a commitment to sustainability and community well-being. Continued support and collaboration are essential to further advance these efforts and promote long-term environmental resilience.
Social Outreach Activity: Guppy Fish Release Initiative to Control Malarial Parasites
Date: 10/02/2024
Introduction:
The Department of Zoology in collaboration of TCSC Nature club initiated a project involving the rearing and release of guppy fishes in slum areas of Kandivali East. Guppy fishes, known for their voracious appetite for mosquito larvae, were released into stagnant water bodies contaminated with wastewater. The aim of this project was to control malarial parasites indirectly by reducing the mosquito population, thus minimizing the spread of malaria in the community.
Methodology:
1. Guppy Fish Rearing: Guppy fishes were reared in laboratory conditions under controlled environments to ensure their health and readiness for release.
2. Selection of Release Sites: Slum areas in Kandivali East with stagnant water bodies contaminated with wastewater were identified as suitable release sites.
3. Release of Guppy Fishes: Guppy fishes were released into the identified water bodies to establish a population capable of feeding on mosquito larvae.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring of the release sites was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the guppy fishes in controlling mosquito populations and reducing malarial parasites.
Impact:
1. Mosquito Larvae Control: The introduction of guppy fishes led to a significant reduction in mosquito larvae populations in the release sites. Guppy fishes actively fed on the larvae, thereby disrupting the mosquito breeding cycle.
2. Malarial Parasite Reduction: By controlling mosquito populations, the project indirectly contributed to the reduction of malarial parasites in the community. With fewer mosquitoes transmitting the disease, the risk of malaria transmission was mitigated.
3. Community Awareness: The project raised awareness among community members about the importance of vector control in preventing mosquito-borne diseases like malaria. Educational sessions were conducted to inform residents about the role of guppy fishes in mosquito control.
Conclusion:
The guppy fish release initiative organized by the Department of Zoology in collaboration of TCSC nature club proved to be an effective strategy for controlling malarial parasites indirectly. By harnessing the natural predation capabilities of guppy fishes, the project successfully reduced mosquito populations in slum areas of Kandivali East, thereby contributing to the prevention of malaria transmission. Continued efforts and collaboration between stakeholders are essential for sustaining the benefits of this initiative and expanding its impact in the community.
Nature Club and Faculty of Sciences under the one Day Rejuvenation study Tour organized visit to Govardhan Eco- Village, Wada visit on 26.08.2023. Students have visited organic farming, Cow farming water harvesting, water conservation and Agricultural product sector of Govardhan Eco- Village. 105 students and four faculties have participated in the visit.
